Born in Bennington, Sept. 29, 1936, he was the son of Raymond O. and Jennie (Nash) Watson.

He was a 1955 graduate of Bennington High School.

Mr. Watson married Marie H. Hendricks in Bennington March 3, 1956; she died in 1994. He later married Joyce (Hawks) Watson June 10, 1997.

For 40 years, he was employed in quality control at Bijur in Bennington until retiring in 1998.

He was a 23-gallon blood donor and enjoyed camping, traveling, motorcycling and working with wood.

Survivors include his wife and a son, Michael Watson, both of Shaftsbury; a daughter, Paula Ryan of St. Paul, Minn.; two stepchildren, Scott Cummings of White Creek, N.Y., and Curt Cummings of Bennington; nine grandchildren and a great-grandson; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mr. Watson was predeceased by a brother, Harold Watson.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, where friends may call from 11 a.m. prior to the service.

Burial will be in Center Shaftsbury Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vermont Heart Association or Second Chance Animal Shelter, in care of Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201.